BELMONT, NORTH CAROLINA

Formerly in front of Belmont Middle School. Moved June 16, 2014 to Stowe Park in downtown Belmont. The park's street address is 24 South Main Street.

The inscription on the pedestal reads:

ERECTED IN HONOR OFALL WHO SERVED IN WORLD WAR IIAND DEDICATED TOTHE LASTING MEMORY OF THOSEWHO GAVE THEIR LIVES

Dedicated November 1946, and may be the first Viquesney public monument dedicated after his death, which occurred the month before. When the statue was first being cosidered at the end of WWII, community leaders discussed where to put it. Among suggestions were the city hall or the post office, but it was finally decided to place it in front of Belmont Middle School. At the time the photo above left was taken in 2005, the statue had been missing its Tommy-gun for years and was in need of treatment. Since then, there were developments (see below) which ultimately resulted in the statue's most recent move to Stowe Park.

Photo: David Ewing, Belmont, North Carolina.

Update: Sometime during the night of July 23 or early morning July 24, 2011, the statue was nearly destroyed by vandals.Update: February 10, 2012: Three men were arrested and charged in connection with the case.Update: July 18, 2012: The statue was repaired by Conservation Solutions, of Washington, D.C. and placed back on its pedestal. The company also has a Facebook page.Update: October 26, 2012: The statue received a new replica Thompson submachine gun through the efforts of American Legion Post 144 and Belmont residents.

Update: August 7, 2013: The Belmont City Council voted to move the statue to Stowe Park.

Update: Last week of April, 2014: Groundbreaking began for the new site.

Update: June 16, 2014: The statue was moved to Stowe Park, with fence, security lighting and cameras.

Update: October 4, 2014: The statue was rededicated at Stowe Park. North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory traveled to Belmont to present the keynote address.